Multiple Orca students have reported gastrointestinal illness. Public Health – Seattle & King County has been in contact with the Orca K-8 school and has begun a collaborative investigation & response plan.

The symptoms have been similar to those of norovirus, a common cause of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks. People who have norovirus infection are typically sick for 1-2 days (though some may not totally recover for several days). Because norovirus infection is easily transmitted from person to person, we recommend you follow these guidelines to prevent spread:

 Frequently wash your hands, especially after toileting and before eating or preparing food. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds.

 Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with feces or vomitus (use hot water and soap).

 Persons who are experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness can be contagious for a few days after they are feeling better. Therefore, students should not attend class and staff should not work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped to assemble and put packets together. Each packet contains a welcome letter from Volunteer Coordinator, Krista Marceron, as well as important forms for families like the “Yellow Sheet” – the PTSA Membership & Family Contact Info Sheet, Annual Fund, and Volunteer Application forms.

Families can pick up hard copies of the PTSA Packet at the Volunteer Coordinator’s office, in the stacks outside the Front Office or download the packet online here: